If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you might be wondering whether you can still get life insurance—or if it'll cost you a fortune. Here's the good news: yes, you can absolutely get life insurance with diabetes. Millions of Americans with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have life insurance policies that protect their families. The real question isn't whether you can get coverage, but how to get the best rates and what factors insurers will consider when reviewing your application.
The key to getting approved and securing affordable rates comes down to one thing: showing insurers that you're managing your condition well. Let's walk through exactly what life insurance companies look for, how Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are treated differently, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting the coverage you need.
How Life Insurance Companies View Diabetes
Life insurance underwriters aren't trying to deny your application—they're trying to assess risk. When you have diabetes, insurers want to know how well you're controlling your blood sugar and whether you're at higher risk for serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, or stroke. Their evaluation focuses on several key factors that paint a picture of your overall health management.
Your A1C level is the single most important number on your application. This blood test measures your average blood sugar control over the past two to three months. Generally, an A1C below 6.5% might qualify you for preferred rates (closer to what healthy applicants pay). An A1C between 6.5% and 7% typically gets you standard rates. Once you're above 7%, expect higher premiums, and above 8%, some insurers may decline coverage or charge significantly more. The good news? If your A1C has improved recently, that demonstrates you're taking your health seriously, which insurers appreciate.
Beyond your A1C, underwriters will examine when you were diagnosed, what medications you take, whether you've had any diabetes-related complications, and how often you see your doctor. They'll also look at other health markers like your blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and whether you smoke. Someone who was diagnosed at age 45, maintains an A1C of 6.5%, exercises regularly, and has no complications will get dramatically better rates than someone with the same A1C but poor overall health habits.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: What's the Difference for Insurers?
Insurance companies evaluate Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differently because they're fundamentally different conditions. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that typically develops in childhood or young adulthood, requires lifelong insulin therapy, and can't be reversed. Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and is often linked to lifestyle factors—and in many cases, it can be managed or even reversed through diet, exercise, and medication.
Because Type 2 diabetes is generally seen as lower risk, you'll typically pay less for coverage if you have Type 2 versus Type 1. For example, a 40-year-old man with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes diagnosed five years ago might pay around $38 to $48 per month for a $250,000 20-year term policy. That same person with Type 1 diabetes diagnosed at age 15 might pay $42 to $61 per month for the same coverage. Compare that to a healthy 40-year-old without diabetes, who might pay around $32 per month.
That said, these are just general guidelines. If you have Type 1 diabetes but maintain excellent control with an A1C below 6.5%, no complications, and a healthy lifestyle, you might qualify for better rates than someone with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes. The specifics of your individual case matter more than the diagnosis label alone.
Understanding Your Rate Class and What It Means
Life insurance companies assign applicants to different rate classes based on their health profile. Most diabetics end up in the Standard or Table-rated categories rather than the Preferred or Preferred Plus classes reserved for the healthiest applicants. Here's how it breaks down: Preferred Plus and Preferred classes offer the lowest premiums, Standard class is the baseline rate, and Table ratings add percentages to that baseline.
Table ratings work on a scale—Table 2 might add 50% to your premium, Table 4 could double it, and so on. If you're well-controlled with minimal complications, you might qualify for Standard rates or even a low table rating. If your diabetes is poorly controlled or you have complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, or cardiovascular issues, expect higher table ratings. The silver lining? As your health improves, you can sometimes reapply and get reclassified into a better rate class after a few years of good A1C numbers and clean health records.
Shopping for Life Insurance: Strategy Matters
Here's something most people don't know: different insurance companies have wildly different underwriting guidelines for diabetics. Legal & General America, Mutual of Omaha, and John Hancock are known for being more diabetic-friendly, but the best company for you depends on your specific situation. This is why working with an independent insurance broker who specializes in high-risk cases is so valuable—they know which insurers are most lenient for your particular profile.
Traditional term life insurance requires a medical exam, including blood work that will reveal your A1C and other health markers. But if you're worried about qualifying, no-exam life insurance policies are an option. These simplified or guaranteed issue policies skip the medical exam and ask only basic health questions. The trade-off? They're more expensive and typically offer lower coverage amounts—usually maxing out around $25,000 to $50,000. For some people, especially those with complications or very high A1C levels, a no-exam policy might be the best available option. For others, it makes sense as a temporary solution while you work on improving your A1C to qualify for better traditional coverage later.
Timing your application strategically can save you money. If you were recently diagnosed or your A1C has been trending downward, waiting six months to a year until you have a solid track record of good control can result in significantly better rates. On the other hand, if you're currently in good health, don't wait—rates increase with age, and unexpected health issues can arise. Get coverage while you're in the best shape possible.
How to Improve Your Chances and Get Better Rates
The best thing you can do before applying for life insurance is get your diabetes under the best possible control. Focus on bringing your A1C down below 7%, ideally below 6.5%. This might mean working more closely with your doctor, adjusting medications, tightening up your diet, or increasing physical activity. Every 0.5% improvement in your A1C can potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year on premiums.
Document everything. Keep records of your regular doctor visits, lab results showing improved A1C levels, and any lifestyle changes you've made. If you've lost weight, started exercising, or quit smoking, make sure this information is included in your application. Underwriters love to see positive trends—it shows you're taking your condition seriously and actively reducing your risk.
Be completely honest on your application. It might be tempting to downplay complications or omit a medication, but insurers will check your medical records and pharmacy databases. Any discrepancies can result in denial or, worse, a contestable claim if you pass away within the first two years of coverage. Transparency is always the best policy.
Next Steps: Getting Started with Your Application
Getting life insurance with diabetes takes a little more effort than it does for someone without a chronic condition, but it's absolutely achievable. Start by gathering your recent medical records, including your last few A1C results and a list of your current medications. Then, reach out to an independent insurance broker who can shop your case to multiple insurers simultaneously—this gives you the best chance of finding competitive rates without having to apply to company after company yourself.
Don't let your diagnosis stop you from protecting your family's financial future. Thousands of people with diabetes secure affordable life insurance every year. With good management, the right insurer, and a bit of patience, you can too. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones are protected is worth every bit of effort it takes to get there.
